Sophomore Stephen Curtis 'probably' FAU's starting quarterback

Carl Pelini hints the South Carolina native will open season against Wagner Friday

August 29, 2012

BOCA RATON — The FAU Owls have a starting quarterback.

Probably.

Coach Carl Pelini wouldn't fully commit to sophomore Stephen Curtis after Wednesday's practice at FAU Stadium, but all signs point to the run-first quarterback from South Carolina supplanting senior and incumbent starter Graham Wilbert as QB One when the Owls take on Wagner Friday night.

"Probably, but today's tape will have decided it," Pelini said when asked if Curtis was his opening-night starter. "I like them both."

Despite the dual admiration, Pelini isn't going to go to a quarterback-by-committee model.

"I just never like a quarterback looking over his shoulder, wondering when he's going to be pulled, because that's not good for him," Pelini said. "We'll have one guy who's the starter."

Wednesday was the team's first solely preparatory practice ahead of the season opener, and the experienced players had to make a welcome adjustment to their approach.

"It was like herding cattle, a little bit," Pelini said.

"They used to go full-gear and pretty much just have a practice," Pelini said. "We're much more situational — more of a mental practice. Full-speed, but no equipment on. More gearing towards the game plan and special situations."

One of those special situations Pelini had the Owls work on were last-second, desperation throws into the end zone — Hail Marys. Curtis showed no problem reaching the end zone from a little over 50 yards out, though the defense was able to hold the goal line.

"We're trying to get everything so there's no surprises, ever, in a game situation," Pelini said.